Jno. M. Drake, July 18, 1865

Fort Boisé, Idaho Ter., July 18, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for the information of the colonel commanding the district, a copy of Lieutenant Hobart’s report of an action with the Snake Indians near the headwaters of the Malheur River on the morning of the 9th instant. The Indiansreceived a pretty severe punishment, and will not be apt to attack that command again. The wounded man, Private Phillips, of Company B, First Oregon Cavalry, has been brought to this post and is doing well. From the locality of this affair I judge the band of Indians to be the same that have been depredating on the Boisé road, along Burnt River, and in the vicinity of Auburn. From inquiry made along Burnt River while en route to this post, I learned that the rumors current along the Columbia River a few days ago, to the effect that an extensive Indian raid had been made on Auburn and the adjacent settlements, was without any other foundation than the capture of a pack train near Shaw ranch on the night of the 7th instant. I believe the rumor to have been circulated designedly for some sinister purpose. A portion of Lieutenant Hobart’s command, twenty-five men, under command of Lieutenant Gates, were dispatched by Lieutenant Hobart July 1 to Surprise Valley, or to such point on the California road where a detachment of troops from Fort Bidwell could be met, the object being to patrol the road in conjunction with the troops stationed at Fort Bidwell, as directed in General Orders, No. 36, current series, department headquarters. The number of troops at Camp Lyon is insufficient for the duties prescribed—the protection of the mining settlement and patrolling two California roads. The road to Paradise Valley will have to be left to the care of the troops stationed there, unless the garrison at

Camp Lyon is increased. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,